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‘The fire has been lit’: Anzac Day tradition continues to grow Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

TweetFacebook Anzac Day at West Wallsend, 2018Anzac Day service at West Wallsend. Pictures: Jonathan CarrollAs the centenary of World War Idraws to a close, organisers of West Wallsend’sAnzac Day service believe the milestone anniversary has lit a spark that will help keep commemorations strong in communities across the nation.

The town’s Anzac Day service has had a resurgence in the past six years, organisers say, after four decades without a commemorative event on April 25.

Read more:Digger’s ribbon bar lost at Merewether Anzac Day service

The area around West Wallsend’swar memorial –which features a statue of a Digger affectionately known as Old Snowy –was packed on Wednesday morning despite the rain, as people gathered to march, lay a wreath and pay their respect.

Bob Skelton–a bush poet known around town as The Minmi Magster–recited a piecehe had written as a nod to the iconic Australian Army slouch hat.

“They’ve been worn with passion and pride/ All over this troubled world/Wherever our Aussie flag/ Has proudly been unfurled,” he read.

Retired Army Reserve Major John Doigis the junior vice president of West Wallsend Workers Club, which organised and hosted the commemoration.

Read more:How the Hunter marked Anzac Day 2018

He said the Anzac Day service atWest Wallsend had grown in recent years, “resurrected after having ceased for some time”.

“Country-wide I think there’s been a big resurgence,” he said.

“I think the emphasis placed in the last four years has sowed the seed in the community and I think the fire has been lit.

Thousands gathered at the Kings Park State War Memorial in Perth for the Anzac Day dawn service.Cath Burton has been coming to the Anzac Day dawn service at Perth’s Kings Park with her husband for about 40 years.

This year, they were joined by their son and grandchildren.

Both of Ms Burton’s uncles, aged 21 and 25, were killed in World War II – one by a sniper in New Guinea while the other was shot down over the English channel.

“Imagine being in those trenches, up to your knees in mud,” Ms Burton told AAP on Wednesday.

“So we don’t complain about getting up early.”

Joe and Jamie McBain brought two-year-old Gordon to his first Anzac Day dawn service, dressed in a little warm suit with a poppy.

“We want him to uphold the honour, dignity and respect of those that lost their lives and we want him to know about it,” his mother said.

Crowd numbers were down slightly this year at the Kings Park State War Memorial service, with about 30,000 people in attendance.

Brigadier Peter Moore told the crowd that Anzac Day was about remembering and honouring those who have served their country.

“We are not here to glorify war,” he said.

“We are here to reflect on the almost incomprehensible sacrifice of so many young lives in so many conflicts that Australia has been involved in and recognise the service of all.”

“Little did the soldiers who landed on April 25, 1915 imagine what they were embarking on would become the thing of legend.”

Brigadier Moore also acknowledged those who continue to serve.

“Freedom only survives as long as there are people who are willing to defend it,” he said.

“This is the Anzac spirit handed down to us and is ours to pass on to future generations.”

Among the dignitaries at the dawn service who laid a wreath was West Australian Deputy Premier Roger Cook and WA Governor Kerry Sanderson.

Mr Cook said he was pleased to see so many young people at the ceremony.

“I think it’s an opportunity for all of us to think about individual sacrifice of the young men and women, but it’s also an opportunity for us to talk about our humanity and our expressions of freedom and the values that come with it,” he told reporters.

After the dawn service, there was an Aboriginal corroboree and Maori haka performance.

It was the first time such a tribute was held involving both cultures.

Topics must admit that we hadn’t been paying too much attention to Simmons, who was raised in Newcastle and now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA.

But Newcastle Herald sports editor Robert Dillon grabbed our attention on Saturday when he wrote that Simmons was being compared to superstars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James.

Making Headlines: Basketball star Ben Simmons on the cover of Men’s Health.

Then in one of those meaningful coincidences, we noticed Simmons on the magazine cover.

The article touched on the 21-year-old’s determined personality and ambition towinan NBA championship.

“You’ve got to set the bar high,” Simmons told Men’s Health.

“If you don’t set it high, you’re not aiming high enough, honestly. That’s the way I’ve thought since I came over here for high school.”

The article documented what Simmons had achieved in his career.

“The number one high school player in America – tick. The number one college player in America – tick. Selected number one in the 2016 NBA draft – tick. Now putting up historic rookie numbers to help propel the 76ers into the playoffs – tick.”

TRIP THROUGH TIME: Top right, children enter school in 1969; clockwise right, an aerial shot of the school in 1988, courtesy of Ed Tonks; note the lack of multi-purpose facility which was opened in 1997 and visible in the aerial photo, left, of the school in 2018.Long-serving Kotara High School staff members Joanne Newton and Sharron Campbell reflect on their time at KHS. POPULAR FIGURES: Office member Sharron Campbell and English teach Joanne Newman.

Joanne Newton has been a classroom teacher at KHS since 1976 teaching English, (at all levels), Ancient History and Modern History, and junior classes in these subjects.

“I have done two stints as a Year Adviser, (12 years),” she said.

“You meet the incoming students when they are in Year 6, introduce them to high school life, watch them grow and then see them leave, usually in Year 12, when they have completed their studies and are ready to move into a new phase of life.

“I have also spent quite a few years as the Girls’ Adviser. These latter roles allow you to see the individuals beyond the class situation.”

Jo’s first impressions of KHS back in 1976 were not misleading at all.

“I walked into a school I had never seen before but was impressed that it was near a large shopping precinct, a fact over which I and my close colleagues continue to be enthusiastic,” she quipped.

“Several students willingly escorted me to the main office. This helpfulness and friendliness has not changed.”

Jo says the school site was as it is now, apart from the construction of the Multi Purpose Centre and the new Administration Block, which borders Lexington Parade.

How long did she expect to stay?

“Well this has become a classic joke,” she said.“Ihoped to win Lotto, still do. Still waiting, therefore still teaching. I think all teachers have such dreams, and we are allowed to have them.”

When asked about major changes she has seen, Jo is quick to identify technology.

“Wi-Fi connectivity has been excellent,” she said.“Students and teachers have at their fingertips a wealth of ideas and information in real time.We can also inter-connect with each other, pose ideas, ask questions and stay in touch beyond school time. The installation of inter active white boards have been great too.

“School uniforms, have become far more comfortable and sensible.”

The building of the Multi-Purpose Centre was a real step forward.

“Try holding school dances and other special events and assemblies in the main quad or school canteen!!!” she declared.

She also mentions the erection of a fence around the school perimeter as marking a point in time when society changes and schools change with it.

Jo is proud of theacademic, creative and sporting successes of KHS students and the way parents and the local communities support the school, its achievements and needs.

“We have had ex students compete in both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, professional sports, they have become musicians and composers in a wide range of genres, actors, artists, and a large number have also gone on to higher university studies: doctorates, honours, PHD’s, lecturing, teaching. she observed.

“All areas of the world have been infiltrated by KHS students.”

Looking back over the journey, Jo has enjoyed the ride and the experiences that have come with it.

“No two days are the same and all classes and the students have something to offer themselves, each other and the teacher,” she said.

SATURDAYAustralian Beach Games + Free Food Truck Carnival Saturday and Sunday, Nobbys Beach, Newcastle. Register to take part in more than 15 sports played on and around the beach or just bringthefamily and enjoy the activities on offer. Beach party; food trucks; an outdoor movie; live music; beach bars; sports bars withpinball, table tennis, darts and more; carnival rides.

Animals in Art & Music 10am to 4pm, Newcastle Museum. An afternoon of live performances by Newcastle Youth Orchestraplus works by natural history illustrators from the University of Newcastle. Live music from 2pm.

SAVE THE DATEFlickerfest 2018 –Best of Australian Shorts comes to Peter Drayton’s Ironbark Hill Brewhouse, Pokolbin, on May 5. Cost $55 (films, wine tasting and food) or $20 (films only). Tickets and information at aroundhermitage南京夜网.au or by phoning 4998 7781.

Lake Macquarie City Art GalleryFirst Class: First Decade. Until May 20.

Gloucester Gallery Nu Feminin, by Christopher Steele. Until May 20.

The University GalleryFrom The Studio, byImants Tillers. Until May 26.

The Lock UpjusticeINjustice, by Corinne Brittain, Rob Cleworth, Blak Douglas, John A Douglas, Leah Emery, Lezlie Tilley and Richard Lewer. Until May 20.

Art Systems WickhamFarbenfreude, by Werner Neumann. Until May 6.

Watt Space Gallery Head On Students,curated by ClareWeeks and James Murphy. Until May 13.

Maitland Regional Art GalleryThe Enlightening Journey of Mr Hugo Ball, by Andrew Finnie; A Whisker of Light, by Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison; Lamentation, by Karike Ashworth.End Sunday. Sonant Bodies, by James Hazel and Victoria Pham. Until May 13.Maitland International Salon of Photography; The Doug Moran National Portrait Prize 2017.Until May 20. Luminous Maitland; Stuart Scott. Until August 12.

Cooks Hill GalleriesWaterline, by Phil Stallard. Until April 30.

Port Stephens Community Arts CentreNelson BayQuilters Exhibition. Until May 22.

THEATREChurch Street DramasShort plays by Frank Oakes based on real events in houses in the title Maitland street, with audiences meeting in the street’s Brough House and then moving to each house. Presented by The Friends of Grossmann House and Maitland Repertory Theatre. Sunday at 4.30pm.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JrLively musical for young performers from Lewis Carroll’s novel. Young People’s Theatre, at its Hamilton theatre. Saturday at 2pm and 7pm.

The HollowA murder unexpectedly occurs when a woman invites eccentric people to visit her rural estate; thriller by Agatha Christie. Maitland Repertory Theatre, at its theatre. Saturday at 8pm.

JobReadyComedy, based on real-life stories, looking at people forced by Australia’s welfare system to take jobs for which they have no skills. Big Muscles Sad Heart Theatre, at the Royal Exchange, Newcastle. Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 5pm.

Perfect WeddingA bridegroom wakes in a hotel room on his wedding morning to find a girl in bed beside him; lively comedy by Robin Hawdon. Theatre on Brunker, at St, Stephen’s Church Hall, Adamstown. Saturday, dinner and show at 7pm, show only at 8pm (final week).

Summer of the Seventeenth DollTwo Queensland cane-cutters meet Melbourne girlfriends on their summer break; classic play by Ray Lawler. Newcastle Theatre Company, at the NTC Theatre, Lambton. Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm.

Ugly Mugs People affected by unexpected violence, including a a female sex worker and a girl who is hit on a footy field and has her bag stolen, look at how their lives were affected; Australian drama by Peta Brady. GNaW Theatre, at the Civic Playhouse, Newcastle. Saturday, 2pm and 8pm.

MOVIESAvengers: Infinity War(M)The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

A Quiet Place(PG) A family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival.

A Wrinkle In Time(PG)Through one girl’sjourney led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes fromindividuality.

Blockers(MA)Three parents try to stop their daughters from having sex on prom night.

Early Man(PG) Dug and Hognob unite theirtribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home.

I Feel Pretty(M) Renee desperately wants to be one of the “pretty” girls. After a freak accident during spin class, her dream comes true when she wakes up to a completely new reflection, believing she is now the most beautiful woman in the world.

Peter Rabbit(PG) A rebellious rabbit tries to sneak into a farmer’sgarden.

Phantom Thread(M)Set in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover. (Lake Cinema)

Ready Player One(M)When the creator of an MMO called the Oasis dies, he releases a video where he challenges users to find his Easter Egg.

Sherlock Gnomes(G)When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring.

Super Troopers 2(MA) When an international border dispute arises between the USand Canada, the Super Troopers are called in to set up a new highway patrol station in the disputed area.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society(M)A writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island in the aftermath of World War II when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.

The Mercy(M)The incredible story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst and his solo attempt to circumnavigate the globe. (Lake Cinema)

The Shape Of Water(MA)At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. (Lake Cinema)

Truth Or Dare(M)Agame of Truth or Dare among friends turns deadly when someone – or something – begins to punish those wholie or refuse the dare.

Read more: How we marked Anzac Day in Newcastle and around the Hunter region

Stefanovic thundered that to watch a movie was to neglect the significance of the great sacrifices of the Diggers, a point of view that didn’t get much traction as, among many other things, every pub is open on Anzac Day for hours of drinking and two-up, punctuated by the footy.

Now incoming Defence Chief Angus Campbell has come under fire from a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and by the usual conservative commentators because he has banned Australian soldiers from using death-style iconography including the grim reaper and the skull and cross bones.

Former sergeant Justin Huggett attacked the directive on Facebook and then with shock-jock Ray Hadley proclaiming it as “political correctness gone mad”.

The death imagery is grotesque, straight out of a violent video game or a bikie gang and reflects a one-dimensional idea of what a soldier should be – an unfeeling, defiantly-masculine, brutal killing machine.

Huggett has talked about this ban going against the pride and history of the Australian military. Which is funny because there are no reports of the Anzac troops landing at Gallipoli proudly flying the skull and cross bones of the Jolly Roger.

Read more: The 50 finest photos from Anzac Day 2018

While it is true that George Orwell, who fought in the Spanish Civil War, did famously say that wars are won by fighting, no army in history has ever been focussed on indiscriminate killing. Indeed over the centuries there have been developed strict and sophisticated laws relating to war and the use of armed force.

My father, who is 91, saw action in Europe at the end of the Second World War. He has never talked about his experience of war, nor has he ever marched on Anzac Day. I suspect many are like him.

But having seen the face of battle he is deeply suspicious of politicians and commentators who demand that there is a right and wrong way to honour those who served in war. After all, to dictate that there is only one way to love one’s country and to be a patriot is to act exactly like the people that we all fought against in the two great wars of the last century.

Or to quote Orwell again, “All the war-propaganda … invariably comes from people who are not fighting.”

We honour and respect the Anzacs not by wrapping ourselves in the flag or displaying death insignia but by understanding that our soldiers, sailors and nurses who have served in war have in the words of Paul Keating, “taught us to endure hardship, to show courage, to be bold as well as resilient, to believe in ourselves, to stick together”.

In other words, the deep patriotism of every Anzac soldier has to be rescued from a kind of tawdry chest-beating nationalism. They served because they loved their country and their fellow citizen.

They certainly don’t deserve to become a pawn in a deeply demeaning annual political battle.

SAVES: Hunter Hurricanes goalkeeper Aleksander Ruzic (red cap). Picture: SImone De PeakThe Hunter Hurricanes will take renewed confidence into this weekend’s final Australian Water Polo League round following a last-ditch 7-6 victory at Lambton Poolon Tuesday night led by goalkeeperAleksander Ruzic.

Hurricanes men’s coach Dan Robinson said Ruzic was responsible for up to 15 saves before Mitch Robinson slotted home the winner for the second-placed team with just one minute remaining against fellow title contenders UNSW Wests Magpies.

“Alek Ruzic was phenomenal,” coach Robinson said.

“I can’t tell you exactly how many stops he made, but it would have to be 12 or 15 easily. He kept us in the game.”

The finals-bound Hurricanes led 4-1 at half-time but the visitors fought back, featuring a 5-1 run, to lead by one in the fourth and final quarter.

Hunter managed to stem the flow and equalise with the Magpies at 6-all before key player Robinson stepped up to convertin the closing stages.

“I was from the bad side of the pool [his weak side] and he managed to score a cross-cage goal with one minute to go,” coach Robinson said.

“It was a pretty good effort.”

Robinson declared it “one of our best performances this year” and despite difficult road trips on Saturday and Sundayto facefourth-placed Cronulla Sharks and minor premiers Sydney University Lions respectively he feels confident of holding onto a top-two spot ahead of finals from May 4.

“We have two tough games this weekend, but we want to finish top two,” he said.

“We have put ourselves in the best possible position to do that now. The boys are pretty excited about it all.”

The Hurricanes gotthrough the catch-up fixture, postponed from April 14 because of lighting,without any injuries.

Dignitaries, including Julie Bishop, congratulated retiring cenotaph custodian Wally Scott-Smith.After 78 years as chief attendant of the Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place, Wally Scott-Smith has watched the sun rise on the monument for the last time in his official capacity during the Anzac Day dawn service.

The 96-year-old is retiring as the monument’s chief attendant after nearly eight decades of unwavering commitment.

“He’s escaped from hospital twice, with morphine drips no less, just to get here and do his job,” thousands gathered in the pre-dawn chill were told in a tribute to the retiring figure on Wednesday.

Mr Scott-Smith had once desperately wanted to join the army, following in the footsteps of his father.

He enlisted in 1937, but was unable to take his place after having surgery to remove about 30 centimetres of his bowel due to cancer.

It was a few years later in 1940, as a Rovers Scouts leader, that Mr Scott-Smith first came to clean the Cenotaph.

By 1946, he was asked if he would like to be its caretaker, a posting he’s held ever since.

Despite his long tenure, Mr Scott-Smith said he hadn’t expected to receive a tribute at his final dawn service.

“I was surprised. I just said that I was going to retire, but I didn’t expect it to happen the way it did,” he told reporters beside the monument.

He said he’s taken joy in the job, which has been his way of serving those who have lost loved ones in war.

But it won’t he his last Anzac Day at Martin Place.

“Next year I’ll come, sit in the chair over there and point at the fellas doing it here and if they’re not doing it I’ll go crook,” he said.

CURRENT SCHOOL LEADERS: From left to right, Kotara High School principal Mark Snedden, girl captain Hannah Short, boy captain Ben Frohlich, and inset, the school emblem, designed in 1967.Brief historyKotara High School celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018 and is proud to reflect on the milestone.

KHS opened it’s doors to students on February 1, 1968, with an intake of 212 first form students and 10 teachers. William McCulloch was the first principal.

The school was the culmination of years of work beginning in November 1963 with the formation of a provisional P&C Association to advise the Minister for Education on possible sites and enrolments.

The rapid population expansion in the area bounded by Kotara, Adamstown Heights and Highfields and the implementation of co-educational schooling had prompted the need for a new high school.

Each successive year after 1968 the school was expanded by the addition of an extra form, accompanied by additions to both teaching and ancilliary staff.

On the day of opening, A and B blocks and the canteen were completed but it would be another six years until C (1971) and D (1973) blocks were done. Classes continued to operate throughout. 1974 was the first year the school consisted of all six forms.

The lack of a school hall proved to be a continual problem in the early history of the facility, exposing everyday operations like school assemblies, presentation days, school dances, school musicals, student exhibitions andvisiting performances to the weather, heat, rain and wind.

This was alleviated with the opening of a Multi-Purpose Centre in 1997. A number of additional buildings have been added since andthe libraryextended.

Today Kotara High School is aa comprehensive co-educational high school with about 1000 students and approximately 100 staff including teachers and support staff.

The school prides itself on teamwork between staff, students, parents and members of the community and has a strong SRC and a very active P&C.

Mark Snedden2018 PrincipalI am delighted to be writing within Kotara High School’s 50th Anniversary Herald supplement. As the current Principal of the school it is an honour to invite our community to attend some of the events outlined later in the feature.

Kotara High School is a fantastic public school that has a strong commitment to Public Education and a celebrated academic, cultural and sporting history.

Our school has been instrumental in the development of our wider community, in the citizens that we have produced over fifty years, and the accolades we have brought to our town.

I look forward to our celebrations, and sharing our rich history with all of Newcastle.

Hannah Short2018 Girls School CaptainKotara High School’s motto is “We Aim High” and has been for 50 years now.

It has been a place of learning, friendship and opportunity for half a century, providing students with the skills they need in order to thrive within society.

Words cannot accurately describe how honoured I feel to be in this leadership position at the time of this milestone.

I first noticed the ‘EST 1968’ sign the moment I began my first day at Kotara High in Year 7.

Never could I have imagined that six years later I would be one of the leaders who has the pleasure of celebrating it’s 50th year.

I see my role within the school as being a role model for my peers, someone to talk to, and a representative of our school to the wider community.

Our leadership executive and SRC work very close with both students and staff to ensure the best experiences and opportunities are being offered to the students at all levels.

The values of Kotara High are expressed thoroughly, such as respect and responsibility, and it is vital that all students uphold these values.

Students should feel proud to attend Kotara High School, as it is a wonderful place that allows students to express our individuality and prepares them for the outside world.

I’m excited for this school’s future, as I see new and innovating ideas being developed to further create an exceptional learning space.

In another 50 years time, I plan to revisit Kotara High that has no doubt shaped myself and many others into the young adults we are today, and the future leaders of tomorrow.

Ben Frolich2018 Boys School CaptainAs I reflect on Kotara High School I am overwhelmingly pleased that I have the privilege of leading our school for its 50th year. The opportunity to record my feelings at this important moment in the school’s history gives me immense pride.

This is a school that has allowed me, and so many others great opportunities.

Looking back on my years at Kotara High Schools I see a proud history that reflects a strong community and a cohesive school population. I also see an even stronger future.

The commitment I have as School Captain to perform my duties to the highest standard is part of an ongoing tradition of strong student leadership.

I carry on a legacy from previous captains that ensures all pupils are represented with enthusiasm and inclusion. I felt this when I was a junior student and the school continues to build student programs that reflect the genuine needs of all students.

During this year of celebration I have realised that where visions for the future are essential, so is strength drawn from the past.

As past students and staff return to Kotara High I hope they see a school that still reflects the vision they had of it as well as a school that is moving forward to a successful future.